Three weeks and one day after the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of four patrons at a Nashville-area Waffle House and left several others wounded, Trump made contact with James Shaw Jr., the diner who risked his own life to fight back against suspected shooter Travis Reinking. The 29-year-old father is crediting with grabbing an AR-15 off Reinking, who now faces murder charges.

“This morning, the president had a call with James Shaw Jr. to commend his heroic actions and quick thinking last month at a Waffle House in Tennessee,” deputy press secretary Raj Shah confirmed during a White House briefing, according to CNN. “Mr. Shaw saved lives when he wrestled a gun from an active shooter who had open fired.”

Shah added that he was uncertain as to whether or not Shaw had been invited to the White House to be thanked in person.

Pres. Trump telephoned James Shaw Jr., who disarmed a shooter at a Tennessee Waffle House last month, said WH deputy press secretary Raj Shah. "Mr. Shaw saved lives when he wrestled a gun from an active shooter who had opened fire" https://t.co/oZpv9o5zGDhttps://t.co/MWKuJHUbM2

The call was made after sharp criticism of Trump’s delay in acknowledging Shaw’s heroism in the incident April 22. In addition to disarming the shooter and preventing further loss of life, the Tennessee native has devoted his newfound hero status to raising funds for families of those killed and wounded in the shooting. He has appeared on Ellen, met with student survivors of the Parkland shooting, and been honored by lawmakers in his home state.

Meeting the young adults of the Parkland incident so much fire and inspiration in their eyes was a great joy pic.twitter.com/DLPJ01K8e2

Though Vice President Mike Pence hailed Shaw as an “American hero” last month and press secretary Sarah Sanders has floated the idea of inviting him to the White House, Trump’s reticence was seen as a grave omission. Some speculated that the slight was racially motivated, as Shaw is black.

Tragic shooting in Tennessee earlier this week. Thanks James Shaw Jr. for your courageous actions to save lives and your continued efforts to help others. You’re an American HERO! https://t.co/vyA6B3N1eu

USA Today reports that U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) was among those who lashed out at Trump for waiting to connect with Shaw.

“Shaw is one of our nation’s cultural heroes, and the fact it took the president this long to acknowledge him speaks volumes,” Cohen said in a statement. “While the president may not have demonstrated his own quick thinking in this regard, it is better late than never that he has done so.”

Cohen’s not alone. News of Trump’s call was met with skepticism from many critics.

Things @realDonaldTrump had time to do since a white man killed four people of color at a Waffle House: -Play four rounds of golf-Send 126 tweets-Condemn mass killings in Paris and Toronto-Travel to IN, OH, TX and MI